Mothers Day and Fathers Day Idea

My new years resolution was to plan ahead.  


So, I thought I'd share my plan for mothers day and fathers day this year.  

It's a journal series from Journals Unlimited called "Between You and Me".  I thought these would be super fun to do for my mom and dad and, to do one for each of my kids.  


They have them for Moms, Dads, Sisters, Brothers, Grandma, Grandpa, Son, Daughter, Reunion, Honey, Aunt, and Uncle.  


I am planning on buying 3 daughter journals, 1 son journal, 1 mom, and 1 dad.  Then I will fill out for my parents the mom and dad journal, then give them the daughter one to fill out for me.  Then they can give it back when they are done.  I will also fill out the son and daughter ones and put them with the keepsakes in their "treasure chests".  


It is simple things like this that we can hold onto and look back on and remember our loved ones how they remember us.  That day will come when we won't have them anymore, but a little personal piece like this to hold onto forever may help the healing process in the future, and to open up fun discussions now.  


What are your plans for Mother's and Father's Day?

Getting Started with Cloth

I was not one of the people who knew when I had kids I would cloth diaper.  I admit, I did think about it, and brought it up to my husband, but we both dismissed it as soon as it quick as I could say it.  

I assumed several things that made me say "no" at first:
1. They were hard.  I assumed pins and rubber pants
2. They were leaky.  Again, rubber pants.
3.  They stunk.  Rubber pants and re-used pee and poop cloths...
4.  Huge!  I didn't want to deal with the extra bulk
5. Laundry.  With a newborn who in the world has time for laundry, let alone having to do laundry to put something on baby's butt?

I (not my husband) thought about cloth again when my son was about 4 weeks old.  I was on yet ANOTHER trip to the store because we were out or almost out of diapers.  It was old already, I had no desire to do that for another 3 years.  So I went online and searched and discovered several things about cloth:


1.  They were cute.
2. I like looking at diapers.
3. I was hiding this from my husband because he would fight me on it.
4.  No pins and no rubber pants!
5. They looked super easy!
6. Good reviews of many products.


Intrigued I wanted to learn more, so I spent many hours learning lingo and terms, different companies and reviews, types and variations, snaps and hook and loop, etc.  And so the obsession began!  


Since I do a lot of sewing on my own, I thought I could save some money and make my own.  I thought I'd buy a couple different ones, try them, then take it apart, make a pattern, buy fabric and "tadaa" I'd have my own home made cheap diapers.  Well, after pricing that all out, I nixed that.  It came out to be more expensive to make the diapers (plus time that I didn't have) than it would be to buy.  So, I decided to buy them.  


I remember it to this day; searching "cloth diapers", then "best cloth diapers" and up popped SoftBums.  I looked.  I have to say I was super intrigued, the things that stood out to me were:
1. It is one sized, I can buy them once and use them until potty training!  And very trim!!!  Very important, I was on a budget.
2.  They looked logical, change the size to grow with baby, no step up or down, I can make it exact.
3.  Cute.
4. I am from MN and it was a MN company...I loved that--especially if I couldn't make my own, I could help out a small business.
5.  Reviews to back them up.


I decided to buy a 6 pack at first, now back at this time (nearly 3 years ago) a 6 pack was 6 covers, 18 inserts, and 6 mini inserts (lingo changed too since then), 2 orange, 2 blue, and 2 lime.  I eagerly awaited my package!  I couldn't wait until it arrived, and when it did I eagerly unpacked, checked them out and was in love.  Remember, at this point my husband still has no idea I bought them--still don't want to hear the doubt in his voice.  So, in the washer they went to be prepped.  The next day they were ready to go, so I eagerly awaited my husband to leave for work so I could get them out of the dryer.  It was also right around here I decided I'd enjoy doing diaper laundry and enjoy changing his diaper!

This is M probably about 2.5 months, just before I went back to work.  You can see his lime SoftBums around his onesie!  

To me, the toggle system was logical.  I adjusted it, and it fit.  I am sure it took me a couple times to get it perfect but straight out of the gate, I remember I had no leaks.  I was in love.  2 days in cloth, and my husband still hasn't noticed, and I am online buying more diapers, 2 orange, 2 blue, 2 lime.  My set of 12.  Happy happy!


Since then, it has blossomed into:

Anyways, it was the weekend now, and my husband took baby M upstairs to change him.  It's just reality to me now that his diapers are cloth, and I don't even think about it.  All of a sudden I hear "Hunny!?!?!?!  What is this!?!?!?!"  I chuckle and go upstairs to find him staring at M in his lime green diaper.  I tell him I bought cloth and we love them and he needs to learn how to use them.  I gave him a few lessons and he was on board.  With no other choice he went right along with my decision and he too now loves SoftBums.  


M has been in cloth since then (he turns 3 tomorrow) and our daughter now 18 months has been in SoftBums since birth.  



Moral of the story, you can make a change at any point, even if your other half doesn't want to.  
1. Secret shopping and limited options work.  :)   
2. Do your research
3. Figure out what would work best into your life (eg. daycare, husbands) this includes quantity and how often you want to wash
4. Shop for extras, primarily at first a wet bag to put dirtys.  The options are endless after that (eg. sprayers, cloth wipes, travel solutions, etc)!  
5.  Try it.  If you're unsure if you "REALLY" want to do it, several companies will lend you out "used" or new diapers to try and you can send back what you don't like.  Remember, you can start part time and go from there!  Anything helps.
6. Budget.  It is easy to get carried away.  Figure out what you have to spend and stick to it.  Splurge on things you need to.  For example, if you get cheep covers that don't work well, chances are you're not going to stick with it.  It is better to get a great cover (like SoftBums' Omni or Echo) and then get more economical inserts until you can buy more of the branded ones.  Options like prefolds or cut up microfiber towels will work great and will save your wallet.  Search for coupons and follow different companies blogs and Facebook accounts for special deals. 
7. Get help.  Ask people who cloth diaper their tips and tricks question companies!  A good company will stand by their customers and their product.  

Take a deep breath, you can do it! 

Need an excuse for a massage? Try this!

Have you heard of reflexology?  

It's pretty neat, in nursing school we are taught this to help patients work through pain, when we can't medicate.  Personally, I don't like to take medicine unless I have to, and I some days resort to some pressure points to relieve migraines.   

There are specialists at massage clinics that specialize in reflexology, and some claim they can initiate labor (sometimes we will try anything at the end), so be careful of labor inducing trigger points if you're pregnant.  

History: The origins of reflexology can be traced back to ancient Egypt. Wall paintings in a physician's tomb, at Saqqara, dating back to 2330 B.C. show patients receiving treatments on their hands and feet.

In Greece until AD200, in addition to being the home of the oracle, Delphi was an ancient health spa where massage, hydrotherapy and reflexology were used to induce well-being, relaxation and foresight . Practices akin to reflexology appear to have been used in early China, Japan, India and Russia also.

Modern day reflexology has its origins in Zone Therapy which was pioneered by Dr. William H. Fitzgerald (A). He divided the body into ten longitudinal zones; the theory being that reflexes operate along these zones and that pressure and stimulation of a reflex could relieve pain affecting organs, body parts and glands within a given zone.

Zone Therapy was adopted by Eunice Ingham (B), a physiotherapist in her treatment of patients in the 1930's. She developed it further,finding that some areas of the body were more effective and accessible than others she worked on the feet. Eventually she mapped the entire body onto the feet. She discovered that a therapeutic effect could be achived by using pressure from her thumbs and fingers on specific tender spots which related to to problems elsewhere in the body.

What is reflexology?
It is a science based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands and feet which correspond to all organs, glands and body parts.
Reflexology is technique of using the thumbs and fingers on these reflexes.

What is its aim?
• To relieve stress.
• To relieve muscular tension.
• To improve blood supply and circulation.
• To encourage the unblocking of energy/nerve pathways.
• To encourage the body's natural healing processes.
• To encourage homeostasis. - (homeostasis - balance, equilibrium or the fine tuning of bodily functions)
• To cleanse the body of toxins.
• To revitalise energy.
• To stimulate creativity and productivity.

For the next time you get a foot rub from your sweetie:

Be sure to ask for a hand rub too!  

If anything, it's a good excuse to get a massage from your significant other or go see a masseuse.  Enjoy!

History of reflexology
reflexology

Cloth Diaper Comedy!

So, I just happened across this blog post at about midnight last night as my husband was **SIIIGHING** at me reading diaper posts on my phone before bed.  I was in tears laughing so hard!  Have a good chuckle!

This is a blog post by Amber from "Parenting, Illustrated with crappy pictures"

CLOTH DIAPERS, THE GOOD THINGS AND THE CRAPPY THINGS

MARCH 1, 2012 

Cloth diapers are diapers made of cloth. You put them on a baby and the baby poops and pees on them. And then you wash them. And then you put them back on the baby. And then the baby poops and pees on them. And then you wash them again. And then you keep doing this. 

Over the five years that I've kept doing this, I've come to know the good things and the crappy things. 

And this is what they are...

The Good Things About Cloth Diapers

Now you might think I'm about to get on my grass-fed, sustainably raised, antibiotic-free high horse about environmental stuff but I don't really like riding horses. Especially high ones. 

Nah. Let's be real here.

I cloth diaper because they look cool and come in pretty colors.

I can't even tell you how excited I am when the mail carrier brings me a box of colorful diapers.

They are pretty! And soft! And come in fruity colors and patterns!

And my baby will poop on them and be so happy!

Also?

Read the Rest Here You'll laugh, promise!

Options for storing homemade baby food

Intrigued by the post about making your own baby food?  


I suggest setting a day aside every once in a while to make a bunch of it, maybe a day dad can keep the kiddos busy for a while or grandpa and grandma come over to play and you can hide in the kitchen for a while and puree away.  Make a bunch at once set some out in the fridge to use that week and freeze the rest. 


If you choose to freeze, here are some ideas on how to freeze then store it.


1. My favorite: glass jars.  Glass is easy to wash, easy to heat up, no plastic leaching and are fairly easy to find.  Not just any glass jar will do.  Not all glass jars are freezer safe!  Don't re-use your baby food jars, risky!  These are fairly cheep and will last you a LONG time!  I chose the Ball brand 4oz Quilted glass jars with lids.  These are freezer and microwave (without the lid) safe.  Ball also makes a larger quilted jar that is freezer safe if you'd like to freeze more together as baby gets older or for bulk on favorite foods.  I have seen people suggest putting plastic wrap under the lid before you put on the lid and ring to keep a better seal!

2.  My second favorite.  Puree your puree's and freeze them in ice cube trays.  There are a billion different kinds and sizes.  These were two of my favorite.  The white one freezes food in about 1oz cubes, the other is about 1/2 ounce.  The blue one is pretty cool, the bottom is rubber and you push on the bottom to easily pop the food out.  These have come in handy making little puree ice pops for my kids.  They think they are cute when they are that little.  

After they are frozen simply pop them out and put them in their own baggies.  Tip: Lay a piece of plastic wrap over the top, who knows when you'll get to putting them in baggies.    Don't forget a label.  You may think, like I did, Oh, I'll remember.  HA!  Didn't happen for me!  :)


3.  After making your puree, plop it on wax paper on a cookie sheet and freeze.  Place in baggies after frozen and you have pureed blobs.  Con: this takes a lot of space in your freezer to freeze more than one tray at a time.  

If you want to purchase storage containers of some sort, and decide not to use glass, look for items that are BPA free, and are easy to use.  Make sure you can get frozen food out (flexible containers are best), they should fit nicely in your freezer (eg. Stack or lay nicely), and shouldn't cost you a fortune.  


Other fun freezer ideas:

Williams-Sonoma: Beaba Multiportion Baby Food Freezer Tray

$19.95

It's easy to treat your baby to a variety of healthy homemade meals with the aid of this convenient silicone container designed in France.  Just fill each of the seven 2-oz. cups with your little diner's favorite sweet or savory foods, then pop the tray into the freezer.  The airtight plastic lid preserves fresh flavors, textures and nutrients.  When it's time to eat, the individual frozen portions slip right out, ready to be reheated in your Babycook or microwave.  BPA-free. Microwavable and dishwasher safe.  8 1/4" diam.

Other baby food items from Williams-Sonoma

Baby Bullet Storage System
Retail around $20

Dr. Brown's Designed To Nourish Flexpods Storage Jars and Stackable Freezer Trays-BPA Free
$17.10 from Amazon.com

OXO Tot Baby Blocks Freezer Storage Containers, Clear
$9.99 from Amazon.com

Fresh N Freeze 2 oz. Reusable Baby Food Containers 12-Pack
$12.95 from Amazon.com

Vital Baby Press 'n' Pop Mini Freezer Pots, Orange, 1 Ounce, 8 Pack
$5.99 from Amazon.com

Top 100 Baby Purees: 100 Quick and Easy Meals for a Healthy and Happy Baby
$11.55 from Amazon.com

Cooking for Baby: Wholesome, Homemade, Delicious Foods for 6 to 18 Months
$12.18 from Amazon.com

Finding Unity Where You Can (Baby Wearing)

I know how it is as a Mom and SAHM, some days I feel so isolated, like I am the only parent going through this or that and can't seem to get my feet on the ground.  


In nursing school we are taught a lot about being "culturally competent".  One reason I went back to be a nurse is because I find people fascinating.  I am a very open person to everybody's own perceptions and ideas of the world.  I love to learn about people, beliefs, expectations and experiences that make them who they are.  I don't judge.  It may not be what I believe, but that doesn't matter. I won't judge.  The minute I judge, is the minute I close my mind and stop learning.  


In the end we are all just people, making our way through this life the best we can, being the best professionals, friends, brothers or sisters, neighbors, and/or parents we can.  In the end, none of us is alone and we can find unity if we each look for it.  

I found this flickr album and couldn't help sitting back and watching the whole darn thing.  

Go Pods GO!

I thought you'd be interested in seeing how well SoftBums pick up water.  

Watch carefully, you'll see that 90% of the absorbency happens right away, this isn't clearly seen with the moisture level on the pod, but the water level in the cup!  

Making your own baby food

Is your sweet little one reaching the age to start solids?  Have you tossed around the idea of making your own food for  your little one?  You don't have to buy the special "baby food making blenders", all you need is a blender/food processor, and something to store/freeze the food in.  


Because I have lived the chemist's life I know what kind of leaching is possible in plastic, and generally avoid it whenever I can, especially when heating.  I knew I wanted to store the food I made in glass jars, but not all glass jars are safe to freeze (if you're planning on freezing).  


These are the jars I chose: 

Ball 4oz quilted glass jars with lids.


Look for these locally, after I ordered them online I found them at the local grocery store 3 miles from my house.  


My tips: 
Start simple.   


I told my pediatrician that we were making our own baby food, he told me not to make my own carrots because the nitrates in the soil are too high.  Maybe mention this to your doctor to see what they say...


If you're able, shop organic.  Start with the simple one ingredient foods, like these from wholesome baby food:

Avocado - a great first food for baby, avocados burst with essential fats and nutrients that a growing baby needs. Smooth and creamy, avocados are easily digested and well tolerated by most babies!

Vitamins:  A, C, Niacin, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium


1. Peel and take out the pit of a ripe avocado - do not cook
2. Cut “meat” out and mash with a fork
3. There should be no need to use a machine as just like bananas, avocados have a very soft consistency and texture. Avocados do not need to be cooked
4. Add formula/breast milk or water to thin or add cereal (if desired) to thicken up. 

Bananas - bananas are another great first food for your baby. Research indicates that bananas and their mucosal properties actually help coat the tummy and help aid in digestion. Bananas are sweet, which may help baby more readily accept the first food experience. Learn more about bananas and if it's true that sweet fruits and veggies should not be introduced first.

Vitamins:  A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Magnesium, Calcium


1. Peel a ripe banana - do not cook
2. Place banana in a food processor/food mill or blender and puree
3. You can also mash the banana in a bowl using a regular fork – heat in microwave for 25 seconds prior to mashing for extra softness
4. Add formula/breast milk or water to thin or add cereal (if desired) to thicken up.

Organic Brown Rice Cereal - Did you know that baby's first food does not have to be a commercial infant rice cereal? Many pediatric resources are acknowledging the fact that avocado, banana and sweet potato make great first foods for baby.

If you decide to make homemade baby cereal, make it with brown rice (organic if preferred). Whole grains are more healthy and nutritious for your baby (and for the whole family). Learn more about whole grains. You may also be interested in reading our Cereal FAQ explaining what types of grains to use, how long they may be stored and more.

1/4 c. rice powder (organic brown rice ground in blender or food processor)
1 cup water

1. Bring liquid to boil in saucepan. Add the rice powder while stirring constantly.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes, whisking constantly, mix in formula or breast milk and fruits if desired
Serve warm.

Pears
Vitamins: A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium


1. Peel and cut into chunks so as to avoid the little seed portion.
2. Steam gently until tender;
3. Place in a blender/food processor and puree until smooth. You may be able to just use a fork too.
4. Use the leftover cooking water if needed but Pears tend to be very runny and watery without adding liquid - Add some baby cereal to thicken if needed. 

Acorn or Butternut Squash (winter)


1. Cut acorn, hubbard, or butternut squash in half, scoop out seeds
2. Place an inch of water in a baking pan, then place squash halves "face" down in the pan. Check on water level while baking
3. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 40 minutes or until the “shell/skin” puckers and halves feel soft then scoop squash “meat” out of the shell
4. Place squash "meat" into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.
5. Add water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency.
6. You can also peel the squash, scoop out the seeds and then cut into chunks and boil/steam until tender (like when boiling potatoes for mashed potatoes)
7. Follow steps 4 and 5 

Yams/Sweet Potato


Vitamins: A (24,877 mg ), C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Sodium, Selenium, Phosphorous, Magnesium, Calcium


1. Wash and poke holes in sweet potato with fork then wrap sweet potatoes in tin foil - do not peel for baking/microwaving. (you can also do this in the microwave - only use plastic wrap and cook for 8 minutes on high or until tender)
2. Place in a 400 degree oven and bake for 30 minutes or until soft.

3. OR

4. Peel sweet potatoes and cut into small chunks
5. Place chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover potato
6. "Steam" boil until tender, be sure to check on the water level.
7. Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the sweet potatoes
8. If you have baked your sweet potato, remove skins and use liquid from your preferred source
9. Place sweet potato into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.
10. Add the reserved water or other liquid as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency minutes or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean.

More First Foods & Homemade Baby Food Recipes

Mango (6-8 months - sometimes over 8 months - learn more about Mango)


Vitamins:  A (1262 IU in one cup.), C, E, K, Folate
Minerals:  Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium


1 Ripe Mango
Peel, Deseed and mash Mango until smooth


Add formula/breast milk or water to thin or add cereal (if desired) to thicken up.


Apples (Applesauce)
Vitamins: A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium


This recipe is written so that you may use any amount of apples you wish.
1. Peel, core and cut apple into slices/chunks
2. Place slices or chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover apples
3. Boil/steam until tender; be sure to check on the water level and stir. 4. Apples may be mashed with a potato masher to achieve a smooth applesauce consistency. If your masher will not achieve a puree type of consistency, then follow steps 5 – 7
5. Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the apples
6. Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.
7. Add the reserved water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin puree
8. Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up the
9. Ask your pediatrician about adding some cinnamon for new tastes.


HINT.  You may also buy an "Adult" jar of Natural applesauce from your local grocers.  Make sure you buy Natural Applesauce however. Read the labels if you are unsure.  The only ingredients should be apples and water or just apples.  A few companies may add ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or citric acid to their Natural Applesauce; this is fine.

Salt and sugar are not needed when making baby food. Omit these items, preferably at ALL times, in your baby's meals. Other spices such as cinnamon, garlic powder, pepper etc. may be introduced as early as 7 months with your pediatricians consult.  Never feed raw honey to a baby until they are over a year of age because of the risk of botulism.  

Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss any foods that may pose allergy risks for your baby.

Baby Butt Wipes

Since you're probably already using cloth diapers, adding cloth wipes to your routine is a very easy thing to do.  

What to use?

Anything.  I'm not saying cut up your Mother-In-Laws new guest towels, but you can use almost anything.  Old t-shirts, old towels, cheap wash cloths, old receiving blankets, flannel, bamboo, OBV, terry cloth, the list goes on.  Your only limitations are to use something absorbent (no polyester) and soft (no sandpapered butts) You can make your own or buy from your choice of vendors.  

Or, if you can wait just a little bit longer, SoftBums will soon be releasing their own super soft cloth wipes!  Stay tuned for details!!!

If you make your own cloth wipes you will want to do something to the edges so they don't unravel and get stuck in your hook and loop.  You can serge the sides, edge stitch, or sew two pieces wrong sides together and flip them right side out then edge stitch.  

Wash:

Just throw them right in with your cloth dipes (unless you're using a solution which will cause repelling, then wash like your dipes but separately).

You can: 

Use a spray bottle to spritz baby's bottom or the cloth wipes. (For baby's comfort we prefer spraying the cloth wipes)

Use a bottle with a pull-up spout (like on bottled-water bottles) to dribble solution onto the cloth wipes.

Warm solution and place in an insulated container to provide warm wipes for baby.

Place the solution into a commercial baby wipes container and dip cloth wipes into the solution.

Place cloth wipes in a commercial baby wipes container and pour wipes solution over wipes.

A commercial baby wipes container can be placed in a wipes warmer to provide cozy warm wipes for baby.

.  

We have the Prince Lion Heart Cloth Wipe Warmer and love it!  My favorite thing about this warmer we discovered just recently--I put some oil on the very bottom, under the moisture pad in the bottom it almost doubles as an aromatherapy source.  Lavender or Eucalyptus oil are our favorites.  I don't think it's a recommended use, but it works!  :)  Just a drop or two every couple weeks keeps our wipes smelling fresh and clean.  

And the warmer keeps your baby from making this face when hit with a cold wipe to the rear:

Solution:

The easiest is just plain water, which is what we use at our house.  In my opinion, nothing else is needed...if something more is needed that's where I would put my kids in the tub and "hose" 'em off.  We have been rash free at this house.  

Disclaimer: I have not personally tried any of these options.  Please note a little goes a long way!   Make sure your solution doesn't contain too much oil to prevent repelling issues with your diapers.  If you like a recipe with more oil, you can always separate your wipes and dipes and wash them separately.   

Here are some other options to try making on your own:

Basic Wipe Solution

This basic recipe can be adapted by changing the type of soap or oil.
1/2 cup baby oil
1/2 cup baby wash
2 cups water

Castile Solution

Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap comes in several yummy scents!
1 tablespoon almond, apricot, or other oil
1 tablespoon Dr Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap
2 drops tea tree oil
1 drop lavender oil
1 cup water

Essential Oil Solution

With three different EOs contributing their unique properties...
4 cups water warmed in microwave
2-4 drops Tea Tree Oil
2-4 drops Lavender Essential Oi1
1 Tablespoon Grapeseed Oil
1 Tablespoon Calendula Oil
2 Tablespoon Baby Wash
Thanks to Lucinda A. for this recipe.

Fruit 'n' Veggie

Dr Bronner's soaps can often be found in organic markets.
1 teaspoon fruit or vegetable-based oil (apricot, olive, grapeseed, etc)
1 tablespoon vegetable-based soap (like Dr. Bronner's liquid castile)
1 teaspoon 100% aloe vera gel
1 cup water

Just One

Just one "something" of each ingredient for this recipe.
1 chamomile tea bag
1 teaspoon oil
1 teaspoon baby bath or shampoo
1 drop lavendar oil
1 cup hot water

Lavender 'n' Tea Tree

Lavender and Tea Tree are popular EO choices for wipe solutions.
1/8 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon baby shampoo
4 drops tea tree oil
8 drops lavender oil
3 cups water
Variation: Use lavender baby oil and lavender baby wash for a heavenly Lavender wash. Thanks to Nicole M. for this variation.

Lotion Potion

Baby lotion adds more softening power to this solution.
1 tablespoon baby oil
1 tablespoon baby soap
1 tablespoon baby lotion
1 cup water
Variation: Replace the baby oil and lotion with 2 tablespoons Baby Magic Creamy Baby Oil for a less oily potion. Thanks to Kimberly A. for this variation.

Magic Baby

Baby Magic products are usually easy to find in local stores.
1/2 cup Baby Magic oil
1/2 cup Baby Magic wash
2 cups water

No Measuring

Don't measure for this one, just estimate amounts.
2 squirts baby oil
2 squirts baby wash
1 drop EO
1 cup water (about)

Shampoo Style

Baby shampoo works as well as baby wash.
1 tablespoon baby oil
2 teaspoons baby shampoo
2 1/2 cups water

Zany Apricot Solution

1 tablespoon apricot oil
1 tablespoon unscented baby wash
3 cups water

Zany Lavender Solution

1 tablespoon baby oil
1 tablespoon lavender scented baby wash
2-3 drops lavender oil
3 cups water

Solutions you can buy:

Sheepish Grins Washy Wafer Diaper Wipe Solution-Unscented 

Washy Wafers cloth diaper wipes solution is back, and this time it is even better! We took the original Washy Wafers solution and added vitamin E, healing aloe vera, soothing calendula and real silk protein.

Silk protein has gotten a lot of attention recently in the cloth diapering world due to claims that it can heal diaper rash. We've seen no studies to prove this, but we do know silk protein makes your skin feel nice!

Soothing aloe vera extract and gently cleansing glycerine soap combine to make an easy to use and very portable diaper wipes solution. Added silk protein makes this silk-rich solution perfect for baby's delicate skin. We add an extra helping of shea butter to make this rich diaper wipes solution an excellent "mess" remover.

Simple to use, just add 1 or 2 cubes to 1 cup of very hot water. Allow to cool and pour over cloth wipes. You can also use a spray bottle or squirt bottle to wet wipes as you need them. Be careful not to contaminate the solution. Replace with fresh solution every 1-2 days as it does not contain preservatives.

A wonderful concoction that smells like baby and honey - very similar to Burt's Bees "Baby Bee Buttermilk." Contains hints of vanilla, peach, violet and honey.

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New this summer! Lots of natural soap bit goodness, packed into a large phtalate-free jar. I can fit approximately 35 bits in this medium-sized jar.

The first picture depicts the approximate coloring of these soap bits (color may vary due to differences in monitors and also in my hand-made batches.)

A jar would make a great gift for anyone looking for a multi-purpose soap that's free from harsh detergents. An easy way to be eco friendly!

Use your soap bits for:
*cloth wipe solution
*a gentle pre-wash solution for cloth menstrual pads
*one-use guest soap
*foaming cleanser
*travel wash
*kids' bath soap - no more melted, wasted bars!
*Avoid smelly chemical-laden public restroom soaps - take one or two cubes in a small pillbox and wash your hands with a refreshing, natural soap instead!

I use an all natural high-glycerin soap as a base for these yummy cubes so they'll dissolve easily and moisturize well. Shea butter is added for even more moisturizing. Finally, for this scent, I added a gentle fragrance oil and FDA-approved dye. (If you prefer soap bits that are undyed or scented with all-natural essential oils, check out my other listings!) 

All undyed Essential Oil soap bits are 100% natural. All other fragrances are made with high quality phtalate-free fragrance oils, but since they are synthetic, the final product is only 99% natural. Adding dyes to the product reduces this percentage one additional percent.

All my soaps are made without harmful chemicals like Sodium Laureth Sulfate - so you know you're putting the best on your family's skin! 

Features:

~100% all natural ingredients

~Safe to use with cloth diapers

~Helps prevent and soothe diaper rash

~Great for sensitive skin

~Multiple uses: wipe messy faces, great for travelling and camping!

~Made in the USA by WAHM

  

Details:

A lightly scented baby wipes solution can be made by dissolving Booty Cubes in water. Booty Cubes contain 100% all natural ingredients which help prevent and soothe diaper rash. I use these by dropping 1-2 cubes in a squirt bottle and mix them with about 8 oz. of hot water until they are dissolved, please remember to let solution cool before using. Then I just put some of the mixture on my reusable wipes and Voila! The job is done! These are safe to use with cloth diapers!

Booty Cubes do NOT contain: chemicals, detergents, dyes, sulfates (SLS/SLES), parabens, phthalates, Cocomide DEA, surfactants, alcohol, propylene glycol, and has not been tested on animals. All of our products are made from vegetable oils, are completely vegan (except milk in goat's milk cubes or soap), and are biodegradable. Essential oils OR Fragrance oils in Booty Cubes are used in small amounts; only enough to "get the job done"!

Thirsties Booty Luster Wipe Solution Spray, 4 oz

Product Description

Features:

• A completely non-toxic, non-irritating solution
• 100% biodegradable
• Custom formulated especially for use in cleaning your baby's diaper area
• Loosen waste, thoroughly cleanses, and gently moisturizes your baby's skin
• Restores skin's natural barrier against bacteria
• Soothes skin and helps prevent diaper rash
• Dries completely clean; will not leave residue
• Made in the USA

Details:
Thirsties Booty Luster is blended by hand in small batches, using flowers, plants, resins, and high quality organic ingredients. Each component of our wipes solution has been carefully selected to not only clean your baby's diaper area, but to soothe and moisturize, as well. And perhaps most importantly, the properties of Thirsties Booty Luster actually help to restore the natural barrier your baby needs to protect him/herself from harmful, rash-inducing bacteria. Use Thirsties Booty Luster at every diaper change to clean thoroughly-yet gently, to moisturize, and to help protect your baby from diaper rash.

Do you have a solution you LOVE at your house, or have a tip that you would like to share!?  Please Pleas Please Comment!